The Legend of Concubine Su

On an ordinary afternoon in 2010, sunlight streamed lazily through the classroom windows onto a history class at Xiya Junior High School. The students listened intently as Teacher Zhang described the rise and fall of ancient dynasties.

Teacher Zhang wore a gorgeous Hanfu dress, its flowing sleeves seeming to condense millennia into a single moment. Her dress, predominantly crimson, featured delicate golden embroidery on the cuffs and collar, evoking a lifelike image of a soaring dragon or dancing phoenix. Around her waist, she wore a pale yellow belt, studded with dazzling gemstones that shimmered with enchanting light.

Her lower body is covered with an elegant horse-faced skirt, embroidered with blooming peonies, with layers of petals, delicate and gorgeous. The skirt flutters in the wind, like a fairy descending to earth, light and agile.

She wore an exquisite hairpin on her head, which was hung with strings of crystal clear pearls. It swayed gently with her movements, making a crisp and pleasant sound. The hairpin was made of pure gold and engraved with exquisite patterns. It was lifelike and seemed to tell an ancient story.

Teacher Zhang's outfit not only shows her love and respect for history, but also makes the students feel as if they have traveled back to ancient times and experienced the charm of history firsthand.

Li Xiaojing, the history class representative, sat upright, listening intently as Teacher Zhang recounted moving historical stories. Her eyes gleamed with a love and curiosity for history, like a bright star. In this class, she seemed oblivious to her surroundings, completely absorbed in the journey of history.

Every word from Teacher Zhang was like a key, unlocking a door deep within Li Xiaojing's heart. Following Teacher Zhang's thoughts, she journeyed back through time and space, returning to a distant era. She seemed to witness the heroic feat of Qin Shihuang unifying the six kingdoms and hear the unwavering vow of Emperor Wu of Han against the Xiongnu. She witnessed the prosperity of Emperor Taizong of Tang's Zhenguan reign and felt the lofty ambition of Emperor Taizu of Song as he ascended the imperial throne. These historical figures and events came alive in her mind, enveloping her in a deep, irresistible immersion.

Li Xiaojing never took her eyes off Teacher Zhang, carefully listening to his every word, afraid to miss a single detail. Her pen scribbled down important points while she silently savored those heart-wrenching historical moments. For her, this wasn't just a history lesson; it was a spiritual awakening and growth.

In this vibrant and passionate classroom, Li Xiaojing's thoughts race forward, following the wheel of history. She knows that history is a mirror from which we can draw wisdom and strength. And as a history class representative, she shoulders the responsibility of inheriting and promoting historical culture. Through her efforts, she aims to help more people understand and cherish history, and find a path forward from it.

However, just as the class was about to end, Li Xiaojing suddenly felt dizzy and her vision began to blur. She tried to grab the edge of the desk to maintain her balance, but eventually fell onto the desk weakly.

"Xiaojing! Xiaojing!" the students cried out in panic, their voices filled with anxiety and worry. Their eyes revealed terror and helplessness, as if they couldn't believe what was happening. Meanwhile, Teacher Zhang rushed to Li Xiaojing's side without hesitation. His face was filled with tension and concern. He called Li Xiaojing's name and tried to shake her body, but Li Xiaojing didn't respond at all. Her eyes were closed, her face as pale as paper, as if she had lost all her life.

At that moment, Li Xiaojing's soul, as if drawn by a mysterious force, began to slowly detach from her body. This force, as powerful as a whirlpool, drew her soul in and carried it toward an unknown realm. Her body gradually became transparent, as if it were about to vanish into thin air. The surrounding students watched in horror, some even screaming in fear.

Teacher Zhang's eyes widened in shock. He reached out to grab Li Xiaojing's arm, hoping to pull her back, but his efforts were futile. Li Xiaojing's soul continued to be pulled by that invisible force, crossing the boundaries of time and space and disappearing from everyone's sight.

Zhang Liang, his deskmate, quickly carried Li Xiaojing to the infirmary, his steps quick but determined. Along the way, he was consumed by anxiety, worried about Li Xiaojing's safety. His heart was filled with unease, hoping to reach the infirmary as soon as possible so a doctor could diagnose Li Xiaojing. Zhang Liang frantically called out, "Jingjing, wake up!" He held Li Xiaojing's hand tightly, as if afraid of losing something if he let go. Tears blurred his eyes, but he was oblivious. He recalled the good times they had spent together, and those happy memories brought a pang of pain to his heart.

"Jingjing, do you still remember our graduation trip? Back then, you said you wanted to go to beautiful Xishuangbanna, and I agreed to go with you without hesitation. The roads we walked together and the scenery we saw are all deeply imprinted in my heart. Also, every time you were so nervous before an exam that you couldn't sleep, I would always silently accompany you to review your lessons until late at night. Have you forgotten all these beautiful memories?"

The classmates watched this scene with a mixture of regret and emotion. Everyone knew that Zhang Liang had a deep affection for Li Xiaojing. Ever since they started school, Zhang Liang had cared deeply for her, preparing breakfast for her every morning and buying her lunch. These actions had long been a topic of conversation among the class, and now, seeing Zhang Liang so sad, everyone couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

Zhang Liang's eyes never left Li Xiaojing. He didn't dare blink, afraid of missing any subtle changes. He preferred to believe that a miracle would happen. As long as he persisted, Li Xiaojing would definitely wake up.

Tired of shouting, Zhang Liang sat down on a chair next to Li Xiaojing to rest. He watched her lying quietly on the hospital bed, his heart filled with heartache and reluctance. He gently held her hand, as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

"Jingjing, I really hope you get better soon," he whispered, his voice a little hoarse. "I want to see you smile again, as carefree as before."

He stared at her quietly, his gaze resting on her tightly closed eyes. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, as if she were blinking softly in a dream. He couldn't help but reach out and gently touch her cheek, feeling the softness and warmth of her skin.

Li Xiaojing looked fresh and lovely in her school uniform, a white shirt and a blue pleated skirt. Her high ponytail swayed gently with her breathing, giving her a playful and lively look. Her oval face, though pale, still exuded a unique beauty.

Zhang Liang's gaze lingered on her lips, the slightly upturned corners of her mouth still hinting at a smile from the past. He recalled the good times they had spent together, and those happy memories made him feel incredibly happy.

"Jingjing, I will always be with you. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we will face them together," he said firmly. "I believe you will wake up and come back to us."

He held her hand tightly, as if to pass on his strength to her. He was willing to protect her with all his love and care until she woke up and walked through every stage of life with him again.